September is National Suicide Prevention Month

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in America an average of 123 suicides occur every day; the tenth leading cause of death, second leading for ages 25-34, and third leading for ages 15-24. To create awareness and strengthen the fight against suicide, the month of September has been named “Suicide Prevention Month”. Suicide prevention organizations aim to decrease suicides by 20 percent over the next seven years, by making a conscious effort to talk openly about suicide, its warning signs, how to prevent it, discuss it, whether in school, workplace, and across general and social media platforms. You can participate in the fight. Get involved with local organizations and listen carefully to friends, family, anyone you make contact with who give the signs of needing help.

The U.S. Government Bookstore offers a number of authoritative works to support those in need and people ready to help with this national crisis – in print and DVD.

Here are a few examples:

How To Talk to a Child About a Suicide Attempt in the Family (Booklet and DVD Set Kit).This easy-to-ready, yet in-depth, multimedia publication informs and guides adults when talking to children about a family suicide attempt. The package, a booklet and DVD, informs adults how to talk to preschoolers, school-aged children, and teenagers. Included for each age group is information about when and where to talk to children, examples of what to say, children reactions to expect and how to handle them, plus ways to support children (special activities and outlets to keep them active, and encourage expressing their emotions).